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Griffey looks ahead after Report

Griffey looks ahead after Report

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By Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

CINCINNATI -- As the baseball community continues to digest the release of the Mitchell Report and its ramifications, Reds players and members of the front office have remained largely silent on the issue.

Right fielder Ken Griffey Jr., one of the game's greatest players and a member of the All-Century team, declined to speak directly with the media about the issue. However, Griffey issued a statement on Friday through his agent, Brian Goldberg.

"Obviously, it's unfortunate having these names attached to the investigation," Griffey's statement said. "But more importantly going forward, we need to do everything possible to restore and maintain the fans' confidence in the integrity of the game and its players."

Former Sen. George Mitchell's report to Major League Baseball about performance-enhancing drugs was released on Thursday after a 21-month investigation. Of the 89 players named, several former Reds were included as well as current Cincinnati reliever Mike Stanton.

A 13-time All-Star, Griffey has 593 career home runs over a 19-season career with the Reds and Mariners. Most of his career achievements have come during what's become known as the "steroid era," but his name has never been linked to any allegations regarding performance-enhancing drugs.

"I totally believe him when he says he has never dabbled in any of those performance-enhancing drugs," Goldberg said. "Besides staying away from performance-enhancing drugs, I'm proud of Kenny individually, because never once have I heard him say, 'If those guys hadn't done this, I would have been able to accomplish that.' Just like I never heard him say, 'If he didn't have all of those injuries, he would have accomplished this or that.' "

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.